We headed out for a date on Valentine’s Day to check out the movie “Coraline” and both really enjoyed it. The movie is an incredible piece of work – a technical and imaginative film that explores a world where all of a little girl’s dreams come true… at a price. I was blown away by the incredible filmwork and the dedication of the miniaturists – the film features luminous gardens made of an unfathomable number of tiny hand-made flowers, cherry-blossom trees made of painted popcorn, a parade of mice and a horde of tiny animated dogs.

The story is great too - very dark and clever. Which is both a plus and a minus – I really enjoyed it, but for a little kid, the brooding and sinister spirit in the house would be absolutely terrifying. I was pretty creeped out right from the opening shots - and it gets darker throughout the film. There’s lots of nightmarish nastiness that’d give a little tyke some permanent scars. This movie is going to be responsible for decades of children’s therapy.

The Coraline character, though, is smart, bold and brave – Natasha and I cheered for her throughout the film and had nothing but praise for the character when we were discussing it later in the car. Really great to see a nerdy little girl portrayed with some independence and gusto.